In this eye-opening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined once again by producer Mike Sorg to explore how modern media shapes our identities, fuels our purchases, and even distorts our sense of self-worth.

From emotional manipulation in advertising to influencer culture and data-driven targeting, Jim and Mike unpack the psychological tactics behind today’s media and tech. How does a Power Glove from the ’80s connect to the viral influencer culture of today? Are we in control of our choices—or are we reacting without realizing it?

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined by producer Mike Sorg for a heartfelt reflection on uncertainty, personal growth, and the enduring wisdom of Pittsburgh’s own Fred Rogers. Through the lens of full-impact mindfulness, they explore timeless quotes from Mr. Rogers that continue to offer strength, clarity, and hope in uncertain times.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike dive into the power of mindful communication through a series of simple yet profound phrases that can transform your relationships and internal peace.

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck on autopilot—wake, work, eat, sleep, repeat?

In this episode, Jim Ellermeyer and Mike Sorg explore the difference between existing and living, breaking down the concept of being a human being versus a human doing. Through real-life examples and mindfulness practices, they help you reclaim your daily life through intentional action, journaling, and presence.

In Episode 484 of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike explore the inner chaos of racing thoughts and the anxiety that often stems from our own internal storytelling.

They introduce the concept of cognitive clarity—the ability to slow down your thinking, step out of the “mind drama,” and reclaim emotional control from others’ expectations. It’s a call to speak what you create, and create what you speak.

In this eye-opening episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and co-host Mike Sorg take a step back from the noise and division to focus on the unifying principles found in the world’s major religions.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg take a transformative dive into a concept often overlooked in recovery, education, parenting, and everyday life: positive chain analysis.

We look back at our first conversation with Tara from KeepComingBack.net:

In this episode of the show, Jim Ellermeyer extends a warm welcome to his friend Tara V, who has successfully achieved long-term recovery from addiction. Tara graciously shares her personal story of how she navigated the challenges of addiction and found solace in the 12-step community. She also opens up about her spiritual journey and the transformative experiences that helped her on her path to recovery.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and co-host Mike dive deep into the nature of spirituality and why it’s often misunderstood. While religion can bring structure and community, true spirituality is about something far more personal: connecting with the divine spark within yourself and recognizing it in others.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, behavioral health therapist Jim Ellermeyer dives deep into mindfulness, moral integrity, and navigating a divided world. Jim shares the five essential attributes for living with purpose—knowing right from wrong, having a moral compass, being dependable, being honest, and treating others with courtesy and respect.

Fishing Without Bait—hosted by Jim Ellermeyer—continues our conversation (Part 3) with TEDx speaker and best‑selling author Nick Jonsson (Executive Loneliness). We unpack executive mental health, burnout, and recovery as Nick describes moving from “I have to” to “I choose,” owning financial insecurities, confronting toxic masculinity, and evolving from command‑and‑control leadership to an identity grounded in values rather than titles or status.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Nick Jonsson, TEDx speaker and best-selling author of Executive Loneliness (🌐 www.nickjonsson.com). Together, they dive deep into the hidden struggles of high-achieving professionals, particularly the silent epidemic of executive isolation and burnout.

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes TEDx speaker and best-selling author Nick Jonsson to share his powerful story of recovery, resilience, and reconnection. From climbing the corporate ladder to confronting executive loneliness, Nick discusses his journey through burnout, addiction, and rebuilding a life grounded in purpose and vulnerability. He opens up about the difference between joy and pleasure, the power of community, and how practicing “vulnerability muscles” can transform relationships.

In this transformative episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes mindfulness-based creative educator, breathwork guide, and trauma-informed life coach Rubina Chadha, founder of Inner Design. Together, they explore the true meaning of “abracadabra” — “I create what I speak” — diving deep into the power of language, energy, and intention. Rubina shares insights into helping clients manage anxiety, stress, and trauma by tuning into their breath, embracing creative practices, and understanding their unique human design. With warmth and wisdom, she reveals how slowing down, practicing daily rituals, and engaging in mindful expression can help rewire our minds and reset our inner world. From active meditation to expressive doodling, Rubina emphasizes that everyone’s healing journey is personal and nonlinear. Whether you’re struggling with inner chaos or simply seeking clarity, this episode offers tangible tools for transformation and empowerment.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues his deep and insightful conversation with Rubina Chadha — a mindfulness-based creative educator, breathwork guide, and trauma-informed life coach, and founder of Inner Design. Together, they explore the power of observation and mindful creativity as tools for healing and self-discovery.

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Rubina Chadha—mindfulness-based creative educator, trauma-informed life coach, breathwork guide, and founder of Inner Design. Together, they explore how breath, presence, and creativity intersect to support healing and personal transformation.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back Tara from KeepComingBack.net to explore recovery, emotional intelligence, and mindful living through the lens of 12-step wisdom. Tara reflects on applying principles from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous in her everyday life—from promptly making amends at work to letting go of resentment and shame. Together, Jim and Tara discuss the power of moving from problem to solution, recognizing blind spots, and breaking free from perfectionism. Tara opens up about her new sponsor, her personal goals around family, health, and financial peace, and how self-care—even a simple manicure—can support healing. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the value of progress over perfection and being present with purpose.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues a heartfelt and honest conversation with Tara from KeepComingBack.net. Together, they explore the power of presence, the importance of slowing down, and the emotional clarity that comes from mindfulness and spiritual grounding—especially during life’s busiest seasons. Tara opens up about navigating grief, burnout, and the juggling act of parenting, marriage, and recovery. She shares how a return to foundational 12-step principles helped her reset through tools like a personal daily checklist and intentional family connection. The episode touches on avoiding judgment, sharing experiences over advice, and embracing independence in parenting. It’s an insightful discussion about staying rooted in what truly matters: relationships, spiritual growth, and being present for life’s small, joyful moments.

In this heartfelt episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer reconnects with recurring guest Tara from KeepComingBack.net, a podcast archiving speaker meetings focused on experience, strength, and hope in 12-step recovery. Tara shares the deeply personal journey of losing her longtime sponsor to terminal illness and how that grief pushed her to seek new guidance and restart her spiritual program. She discusses her evolving relationship with surrender, the humility of beginning the 12 steps anew, and the profound insights gained from The Grief Recovery Handbook. The conversation touches on motherhood, emotional vulnerability, and the power of gratitude amid suffering. Whether you’re in recovery or navigating life’s dark hallways, Tara’s story offers inspiration, raw honesty, and practical wisdom.